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Agenda 1. Program - Historic District Presentation 2. Reports 3. NUNA Officers - Nominating Committee 4. Neighborhod Planning Team (NPT) Status 5. NPT Items: 304 E. 30th St., 3126 Duval 6. Assessment of Support for Historic District Initiatives 7. Annual Donation - First English Lutheran Church 8. Old Business 9. New Business 10. Adjourn
December - January, 2009/2010
Next NUNA Neighborhood MeetingMonday, December 7, 2009, 7:00 P.M.
First English Lutheran Church3001 Whitis
President’s Report
by Bill BednarMany thanks to Regan Gammon for agreeing to serve as a contact person for putting together our committee for nominating NUNA officers for the coming year. One of the ways we can build strength and participation in NUNA is through a widespread and robust nominating process for officers, and Regan is just the right person to be overseeing that. It is time for a new president, and I know that with all the talent and experience in the neighborhood, the nominating committee will come up with good choices for that post and the other officer slots. Please give some thought to serving NUNA for a year or so—particularly if you have been interested in the neighborhood but not actively participating—and let Regan ([email protected]) and the committee know of your interest. There’s plenty to do, and it’s very rewarding to help NUNA remain a quiet, green, leafy, and congenial place to live. In the months to come, you will be hearing more about proposed historic districts in NUNA. There is room for discussion as to the wisdom of these, and it is very important to the process to inform the neighborhood of the pros and cons and let everyone have their say. At the December meeting, I will be giving a report on the historic district efforts to date and be ready to answer questions. Right now, separate projects are underway in Grooms, Buddington, and Aldridge Place, with Grooms being the farthest along toward an application. The logical next steps in Buddington and Aldridge Place will be to get some proposed boundaries and rough ideas for design standards in place, and then find a way of getting a straw vote of residents to determine
whether there is enough support to go forward. If there is, then we would recruit additional help and begin the hard work and expense of completing the necessary histories and surveys. One important decision we will address at the upcoming December meeting will be the extent to which NUNA itself will support these projects. Please come and share your views.
Remember that our neighborhood meeting will be at First English Lutheran at 7:00 PM on December 7, 2009. See you there!
Peace,Bill Bednar
Keeping NUNA Greenby Mark W. FeistMany thanks to all who participated in the Adams
and Hemphill Park Cleanup on November 8th. We had more people come out than any cleanup in the recent past. Thanks also to Trudy’s for providing the breakfast tacos that kept us going. The November cleanup is the most effective because it’s the end of the growing season and our efforts will last until late spring. We were able to clean the brush and trash out of the creek from 30th to 33rd Street. These cleanups are essential in keeping the waterway clear and the park safe.
Even with the great turnout we had, it’s very difficult to combine both Adams & Hemphill in the same cleanup. We’re planning an informal cleanup for Adams Park to concentrate on trash pick up. Look for an announcement after the holidays and come out and join us!
Our next effort is to get the city (Watershed) to clean out some of the creek sediment that has accumulated over the years. It helps for multiple residents to put in the request so as not to look like it is only one or two individuals requesting city services. Call 311 and ask for Watershed Protection. Tell them that the neighborhood is concerned that the creek backs up due to shifting sediment causing a bacterial build up. More importantly, the creek needs to be free of obstruction because of the flooding issues we
have in the neighborhood. If you would rather, you can send an email to [email protected]. If you get no response from either 311 or email you can always ask for the Watershed Protection Director, Victoria Li at 974-2339. Please email me @ [email protected] if you make a call so I can track our efforts.
There are few events in the neighborhood that create a sense of community like coming together to work on our beloved parks. There are few efforts that provide 6 months of enjoyment for 2 to 3 hours of effort. Thanks again to all who participated!!Happy Holidays!
Greater NUNAMcCallum High Auction This WeekendThe McCallum High School Annual Auction is Sunday, December 6th. This is a fun night to
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2009-2010 NUNA OFFICERSPresident BillBednar 494-1177 [email protected] ScottMorris 371-7961 [email protected] DouglasPlummer 789-6466 [email protected] JanMoyle 496-9304 [email protected] JanetAdams [email protected] KimberlyandDanRenner [email protected] CarolJourneay 478-8614 [email protected] Vacant AustinNeighborhoodsCouncilRepresentative BillBednar 494-1177 [email protected](NPT)Chair ScottMorris 371-7961 [email protected] WillDonovan will@willdonovan.comInternetServerHostPallasArtWebDesignParkingPermits(Area1) ChrisDial 472-0173 [email protected] RobertMorris/KathrynKotrla 524-0690 [email protected]
NewsletterDistribution:BillBednar,RogerBinkley,JackBrannon,PatCampbell,DonCarnes,AlegriaHibbets,RickIverson,CaroleLeClair,SusanMorgan,LyleMorris,ScottMorris,Jan&JimMoyle,MarianneMulrey,MariaOrozova,HomerParsegian,DougPlummer,KimberlyRenner,MichaelRiley,DebiRivier-Harris,JoeSosaandScottThomas.
(NUNA cont.)see friends, enjoy a meal, hear great music and shop to support the Mac Seniors! Doors open at 5:30pm for the silent auction, fajita dinner at 6:00 and the Live Auction starts at 7:45pm in the McCallum Cafeteria. Fajita dinner is $10.00 and tickets may be purchased at the door.This event is McCallum’s main fundraiser for three important events: Baccalaureate, Senior Prom and Graduation Night.
You can win big at the auction: A house on a private beach in Port Aransas that sleeps 12 - Heaven!!! For your ski trip - 1 week snow ski, boot, and pole rental for 2! Capital City Comedy Club party for 20! Braces for your child - valued at $6,500.00 – WOW! Round Rock Express tickets! Art, jewelry and much more. McCallum says thanks… they’ve had tremendous support from the neighborhood in the past and would appreciate the same this year!
Judges Needed - Lee Elementary Science FairThe Lee Elementary Science Fair will be held 27-29 January, 2010. Judges are needed for Wednesday January 27th, from 8 AM until approximately 2 PM. Judges with a degree in science or engineering are preferred. Experience judging science fairs is a plus, but not required.Past participants will testify that this is a lot of fun, and a wonderful way to influence children to investigate science. Plus, breakfast and lunch are included!If you can join the fun, respond to: [email protected] to GrowSeton Cove Spirituality Center offers people of all faiths the opportunity to nourish and foster their journey towards wholeness. For Seton Cove Programs, visit: www.setoncove.netKeep current with AGE’s SeniorNet Classes at: http://www.seniornetaustin.org. New classes include: Digital Holiday Cards and Why Should I Buy an iPhone.
An Invitation to the Whole ‘Hood from Lee ElementaryLee Elementary invites you to attend a fun-filled, evening of music, dancing, shopping and eating on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at La Zona Rosa. The evening will showcase the extraordinary
talents of Lee parents and NUNA Neighbors Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. Neighborhood businesses are also invited to participate. The Lee planning committee welcomes sponsors, businesses, and individuals who would like todonate cool goods and services. Lee hopes you’ll come out and support this fantastic school and kick up your heels with NUNA friends and neighbors. Tickets go on sale in February and can be purchased at the Lee Elementary website at http://lee-elementary.org/PTA/lee_live_2010.php.For inquiries regarding this event please email Margo Shaw at [email protected]
CHI DINH
UT #1 REALTOR
Residential & Commercial
Avignon Realty
502 W. 30th St.
Austin, TX 78705
Tel: 512-947-7744
Fax: 512-236-0022
www.avignonrealty.com
Deck Your Walls With Art in NUNAHave you visited the Access Gallery at the corner of 37th and Guadalupe? That’s where VSA arts of Texas is presenting its first Holiday art show. The quaint and quirky gallery boasts artwork by 30 artists with disabilities from across the state of Texas. The festive holiday exhibition runs from November 25, 2009 to January 9, 2010. Normal gallery hours are Wednesdays through Fridays, 12 - 6 pm and Saturdays, 12 – 5 pm.
From dazzling jewelry to breathtaking art pieces, the Holiday Art Show will enhance your holiday shopping. You can find cards, paintings, mobiles, ornaments, clothing, turned wood, books, pillows, candles, sculptures, and so much more! All the artwork handmade and available on the day of purchase, and 80% of each sale goes to the artist. Your purchase will directly support artists with disabilities who are making their living through their creative talents. VSA arts of Texas is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that works to create a society where people with disabilities freely learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. For more information visit VSA arts of Texas website at www.vsatx.org.
Let’s Save the Historic Kit Homes at 304 East 30th St. by Carol JourneayThe potentially historic “kit homes” at 304 East 30th St have a developer seeking their demolition. Do we save our history or do we let it fall to the way side for yet another big box on stilts student apartment that will not only take out these little cottages but will endanger the potentially historic Pressler home next door? With a little tender loving care these neglected
“kit homes” could be returned to the pristine little jewels they once were.
Ernest J Pressler had the kit homes assembled on his property in 1936 or ’37 for rental property next to the family home. His grandson Stephen says that the cottages were put up in two weeks by two men. The history of the Pressler property goes back to the early 1900s. E.J. and Isabella Pressler and family moved into their home at 100 East 30th in either 1905 or 1906. Sometime in 1911-1912, the house, classified as Victorian transitioning to California Bungalow, was moved from 100 East 30th “by a man and a mule” to 102. The address later changed to 302 East 30th, where E.J. Pressler lived until his death in 1963.
Over the years the kit houses next door would be home to numerous occupants, including E.J.’s son, Paul E. Pressler and Paul’s children, Stephen and Mary Pressler. All together, members of the Pressler family occupied the cottages at 304 East 30th St for a good twenty years. Paul E. Pressler was an Austin architect who during the Great Depression worked with the CCC. Examples from his portfolio can be found at several Texas State Parks. His son Stephen says that his father’s mural called the “WILL WALL” can be seen at McDonald Observatory. Also, look for the bridge on the grounds of the Perry Mansion that his father is said to have designed. Paul’s artistic, free spirited daughter Mary, late known as Eva, was an influential player in Austin’s art and music scenes until her untimely death in 1999. His son Stephen, an artist and
poet, currently lives in the family home. The family history goes back to Paul Pressler, E.J.’s father, who started the well know Pressler’s Beer Garden with his brother Frank. Located on Pecan (6th Street) running down to the river the Garden was an addition to Paul’s Pressler Brewery, which first occupied the site. Today, look for Pressler Street off Sixth to get a general idea of where
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(Kit Homes cont.)the Pressler Brewery and Pressler’s Beer Garden were located. The Historic Landmark Commission has not yet determined the status of the cottages. A demo permit might still be granted. Please consider attending the December HLC hearing or contacting the commission members to support historic status for these little cottages at 304 East 30th. Community support is essential if these cottages are to be saved. If you have any questions about the 304 East 30th St cottages, please contact Carol Journeay or Mary Ingle, or attend the next neighborhood meeting on Monday, December 7th.
Residential Parking Program by Chris DialHi Neighbors, Our RESIDENTIAL PARKING PROGRAM will be 14 years old in January 2010! It is time for renewal. I’m sure we could handle this renewal process through e-mail so I’m looking for a computer volunteer to help set this up-anyone interested, please get in touch with Chris, [email protected], or 472-0173.
Preserving Value in Changing Times: Local Historic Districts?In NUNA we enjoy the amenities of Central Austin, and, at the same time experience pressures from folks who understandably want to make money from available properties in ways that will alter our neighborhood. This tension is expectable in any neighborhood with highly desirable real estate. The question is if there is a reliable way of managing what is an ongoing threat to our current lifestyle. One
proposed safeguard has been the formation of Local Historic Districts (LHDs). Below is a brief synopsis about LHDs in NUNA. See you at the General Membership Meeting for discussion and your thoughts about which way to go. During the Neighborhood Planning Process 2002-4, the overwhelming sentiment in the Central Austin Planning Area was to create LHDs. Since one of the major objectives in our Neighborhood Plan was to make NUNA a historic district, residents began work with block surveys and photography as well as on landmark status for some homes. A NUNA survey was completed in 2003, a foundation for LHD formation, but a variety of internal factors impeded further progress at that point.
Until now, LHD formation in Austin has not been easy. Last year, though, the City Council revised the LHD Ordinance to make it easier for LHDs to be created in Austin. Although there’s only one established LHD in the city, Hyde Park has its application in and is gathering supporting signatures, and about a dozen other neighborhoods are working on the process. Here are the requirements: 51% of the structures must be historically contributing (50 years or older) and reflect a period of significance
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(LHDs cont.)with an integrity of appearance. According to the City, a LHD is the best way to guide future development in a historic neighborhood as the tools it offers are stronger than State or Federal recognition. A LHD is established by a zoning overlay, which sets forth special regulations that include design standards for new construction as well as additions to existing buildings. The owners of a majority of the property within the district must consent to its establishment before City Council can designate the area as a LHD.
Some owners may fear that a historic district would automatically prohibit changes, even space additions, to their homes. This is not true. External changes are made according to design guidelines, established by the neighborhood, and in accordance with the City’s Preservation Office. Presumably proposed changes to homes would be approved through a defined process. The purposes of a historic district are to establish design standards for new construction, and to provide a higher bar for demolition of contributing buildings. The City’s preservation officer, Steve Sadowsky, encouraged NUNA to focus not on the neighborhood as a whole, but on several of our historic subdivisions for LHD process. The primary reason for proceeding by subdivisions is the wide variety in “periods of interest” and architectural styles in NUNA, which would complicate the development of a single set of acceptable design standards. Proceeding by subdivision will allow the tailoring of design standards to the particular neighborhood. The historic subdivisions in NUNA are Whitis, Fruth, Grooms Additions, Buddington and Lakeview Subdivisions, and Aldridge Place. There are Champions for this process in Aldridge Place, Buddington, and Grooms, so that’s where the work is moving forward.
Bill Bednar is Chairing a Historic District Steering Committee to explore the interest in establishing LHDs. Carol Journeay and Mary Ingle have
already done significant work in the Grooms addition (NUNA East of Speedway), having completed much of the required 2009 surveys and photography, with the expert involvement of Bob Kaler. Pam Bell is gathering a team of interested Buddington neighbors, and Roger Borgelt is leading the Aldridge Place effort. During a meeting of the NUNA Steering Committee, the consensus of the group was to support the established effort in Grooms and to explore the possibility of similar initiatives in Buddington and Aldridge Place. NUNA would support and coordinate all three work groups, but would not become directly involved in LHD applications.
The 2003 NUNA Survey has been scanned and the relevant portions distributed to the Grooms, Buddington, and Aldridge Place Champions, together with copies of the ordinance and examples of the city documents involved. Bill Bednar has done some preliminary map analysis of Aldridge Place, and has worked on a preliminary draft of design standards for Aldridge Place. The logical next steps, in Buddington and Aldridge Place, will be to get some proposed boundaries and rough ideas for design standards in place, and then find a way of getting a straw vote of residents to determine whether there is
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(LHDs cont.)enough support from residents to go forward. Obviously, your opinion is crucial. With the progress that Carol Journeay, Mary Ingle, and Bob Kaler have made in Grooms (NUNA East of Speedway), they are already into the research phase of LHDs. If you have any interest in the house in which you’re living, or houses along your street, and would like to know more about their history, give them a call. They need folks to find out more about the history on homes in Grooms.
This issue will be discussed at the December 7, 2009 NUNA General Membership Meeting, where your input counts! Or, contact one of the Champions where you live to find out more about the process, voice concerns, or get involved. The Austin Heritage Society has a great website for you to learn about LHD yourself: http://heritagesocietyaustin.org/localdistricts.html.
Key Contacts: Bill Bednar, NUNA Steering Committee Chair/Aldridge Place, [email protected], 587-3504; Mary Ingle, Grooms, 320-8449; Carol Journeay/BobKaler, Grooms, [email protected], 478-8614, 587-3504; Pam Bell, Buddington, [email protected], 560-1953; Roger Borgelt Aldridge Place, [email protected], 469-7474.(Bill Bednar and Mary Ingle contributed to this article)
Sparky Park - Best in AustinWe know how special NUNA is, an often under-appreciated treasure in Central Austin…..until now, that is. The Austin Chronicle announced its Critic’s Pick Awards, and we’re number one in Pocket Parks. Here’s what they had to say about Sparky.
“Best New Pocket of Green: Sparky Park A former Austin substation notorious for sparking during thunderstorms gets a makeover, and the North University Neighborhood gets a quirky new park. The transformation took place earlier this year, when a fantastical grotto wall, created by local sculptor Berthold Haas, replaced an existing wall. It’s still a work in progress, and while some are calling it a pocket park, we call it a small wonder.”
“Quirky”? “Fantastical”? “A small wonder”? Sounds like NUNA!
The NUNA/NPT RelationshipCurrently, the NPT is constituted as a stand-alone organization with separate (but overlapping with NUNA) officers and its own bylaws, and is not organizationally a part of the North University Neighborhood Association. Recently, the NPT requested that NUNA consider appointing a committee within NUNA to perform the functions of the NPT, in effect combining the two separate neighborhood organizations under the NUNA umbrella. Discussion and action on the NPT request is on the agenda for the upcoming NUNA meeting. The North University Neighborhood Planning Team (NPT) has through its bylaws established the following duties; (1) act as an educational resource for residents in land use matters; (2) review developments in the NCCD and ensure compliance with Ordinance No. 040826-58 of the City of Austin; (3) establish and implement the CACNP as it applies to the North University Neighborhood Planning Area; and (4) review and make recommendations on all
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(NPT cont.) land use cases that may impact the North University Neighborhood Planning Area and review and make recommendations for all amendments to the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan as they apply to the North University Neighborhood Planning Area.
JOIN NUNA and Have a Happy New Year!!!As the New Year rolls in, it’s time to renew our NUNA Annual Dues. At the low, low price of $10 per person, NUNA dues are used to benefit the neighborhood, paying for Neighborhood Night Out, the Fourth of July celebration, signs to promote NUNA meetings and events, and donations to First English Lutheran Church and AGE for the use of their buildings. Renewal is simple - make checks payable to N.U.N.A./membership. Send them c/o Jan Moyle, NUNA Treasurer, 200 W 32nd. Please provide your Name, Address, and e-mail Address. This year for households in Residential Parking Program areas, membership renewal is even simpler---a reminder form is coming with your Parking Program information.
The Times They Are a Changin’ NUNA’s President, Bill Bednar, is in his last term in office, so for the coming year, NUNA will be selecting a new President, along with our other Officers. The first step in the process is convening an Officer Nominating Committee. Regan Gammon has graciously agreed to be the contact person for anyone wishing to serve on the Nominating Committee. The Officer Nominating Committee will be officially appointed by the NUNA General membership during the December 7th, 2009 general meeting. The Committee will recommend, and publish a slate of potential new officers by the February, 2010 General Membership meeting. During the April, 2010 General Membership meeting, the recommended slate is considered, additional nominations are taken from the floor, and new officers are elected. Serving on the Officer Nominating Committee is a great (and time limited) way to serve NUNA. Anyone interested in serving on the Nominating Committee should contact Regan at [email protected].
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SPO Troy Schouest, #5207, Austin Police Depart-ment, Central West District Representative tells us
How We Can Save ChristmasEvery Who Down in Whoville Liked Christmas a
lot…But the Grinch, Who lived just north of Whoville,
Did NOT!The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole
Christmas season!Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows
the reason.It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right.
It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
But I think that the most likely reason of all, May have been that his heart was two sizes too
small.“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
By Dr. Seuss(1966)No matter the reason through out the holiday
season He is often found creeping
In parking lots at shopping malls Peering into the windows of all of the cars
He looks and he smashes he smashes and takes All of the gifts all so lovingly gotten for family and
friendsHe takes them from your car and keeps them for
himYes, yes, yes he does take and take and take
With a coal heart and shimmyHis mantra is “give me, give me, give me!”
Oh! My little Who friends fret not in fright there are things we can do to stop the Grinch
before this plan takes flight before he can take our presents, our Christmas,
our holiday delight As it has been said in days of yore
an ounce of prevention Is better than a pound of cure.
So listen up all in Whoville listen up well We can save Christmas and keep the Grinch out
of the Holiday till. With a few simple steps every Who in Whoville
can take So gather round the fire and sit up straight
As we go over every nook, nanny and crackTo banish the Grinch so he can never come back
First things first is where we shall begin lock your doors tight, hide the gifts that you buy
and if you need to shop more move your car before you go back inside
be aware of your surroundings as Grinches often lurk
in the dark spaces from which they were born. Try not to flash fancy with large bags that are
clumsyTrying to carry away the whole store
Get extra Who hands that are in line with the Season
To help you get home all safe and warmWhere next to snowman cookies Hot Coco is
waiting made with sprinkles of cinnamon and love
Yes the Grinch will be angry At every Who in Whoville as we all
fa,la,la,la, jingle bell rock in our Christmas or Red, Green and White
we can take a moment to reflect that we have been safe because we stayed in the light
looking around at all the other Whos in Whoville we can in unison sing out
Joy to the world with a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
from SPO Troy Schouest, our APD District Rep.- who wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year filled with blessing and good cheers for this day and every day through out the year.
Promoting Health in the ‘HoodSt. David’s Medical Center (SDMC) is willing to make care even more accessible for NUNA residents, and is eager to work with NUNA resident to enhance services through a personal touch. “We understand that navigating through a health care system can be daunting, especially during times of distress,” Christin
Cross, Communications Director for St. David’s Medical Center, said. “We are pleased to offer individualized attention to NUNA residents when they or their loved ones are hospitalized or have health related questions.”
What this means concretely is that Christin will serve as a contact person for NUNA residents when they or their loved ones are searching for a physician or are in St. David’s. Having someone like Christin know you’re in her system and tell appropriate folks to watch out for you can turn an anxiety filled experience into one where you feel cared about. Contact Christin at [email protected] Thanks to Mark Clayton, Christin Cross, and the St. David’s leadership in this experiment to build a bridge between a medical system and a neighborhood.
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